Four survival tips for your family vacation

[The Patriot]

Four survival tips for your family vacation

05-04-2012 05:43 AM

Published:
Fri, 2012-05-04 13:42


Four survival tips for your family vacation


Heather Joy


Four survival tips for your family vacation

You know the old saying that the journey is just as important as reaching your destination? It can also be applied to your family vacation. Some even believe that the journey is half the fun of getting there. While you may already have a getaway destination in mind, traveling as a family presents its share of challenges for the journey ahead.

That's why it's so important to plan ahead to make sure your trip is a memorable voyage, rather than an endless undertaking. Preparing for vacation travel is all about using your resources, staying organized and snacking smartly.

Whether you're traveling by car, plane or train, here are a few travel survival tips to ensure a smooth journey during your next vacation:

Keep a snack stash. Hunger is the happy traveler's kryptonite, as moods can go south quickly when you're in need of a snack. The type of snacks you choose is also important, as snacks overloaded with sugar might not help you feel satisfied for long - and sugary snacks can also leave your kids with lots of energy and nowhere to burn it off. Try stocking up on healthier snacks that are convenient for on-the-go situations like Snyder's of Hanover pretzels. They come in a wide variety of shapes and flavors, including 100-calorie packs and gluten-free varieties, offering something for everyone on board. Snyder's of Hanover Pretzel Pieces, which range in flavor from Buffalo Ranch to the new Bacon Cheddar are an especially good option for crumb- and mess-free snacking. To learn more about the available options, visit www.snydersofhanover.com.

• Take a clean-up kit. Hand sanitizer, napkins and hand wipes can help keep everyone - and the inside of your car - clean during your trip. If you have younger children, keeping a bag with a change of clothes easily accessible can help you weather any bad spills or accidents.
• Don't forget the fun. Car games can make the time fly by for children. If you're driving, games like car bingo and the license plate game are fun ways to help your child discover the scenery. To combine food and fun, use pretzel bits as bingo pieces or a tasty game of tic-tac-toe. Bringing pads for doodling is never a bad idea either, and washable markers are always a good option since they won't easily break like crayons or colored pencils might.
• Make it easy to get some shut-eye. If you have a longer trip planned, bringing smaller travel pillows and blankets to help your passengers rest when they get sleepy can help keep everyone happy. You may also want to consider sun-blocking screens that still allow the driver to see out the window - although a comfortable pair of sunglasses for the little ones can also help.
• Keep travel-friendly technology handy. Smartphones and tablets make great travel companions for adults, giving you access to helpful maps, restaurant reviews and tourism sites. You can also scan the Web for travel-related games for the kids. Follow Snyder's of Hanover on Facebook and Twitter for road trip snacking tips, and look for game ideas and travel tips on the brand's Pinterest board.

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